Are you suffering from back pain and feel like you might never get rid of this debilitating condition? You are not alone! A lot of people think that they will have to get used to their back and neck pain. But this isn’t the case. A correct diagnosis and a customized treatment plan can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life considerably. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained back pain doctors work together to diagnose and treat all types of pain-generating neck and back conditions – from common affections like herniated discs and nerve compressions to complex ones like spondylitis or spinal deformities.

If you are looking for a ‘back pain specialist near me in Hackensack’ then you are probably in pain. Back pain is more common than you think – over 80% of Americans will suffer from a condition that triggers back pain at some point in their life. But it is important to understand that back pain affects people differently and the symptoms associated with a back problem will almost always vary from one person to another. For some people, the pain can be sharp and brief and for others, it can be dull and long-lasting. But regardless of these symptoms, people who suffer from back pain have one thing in common – they don’t always recognize the myths and facts associated with back pain. The good news is our board-certified back pain specialists in Hackensack are here to debunk some of these back pain myths.

The first steps towards getting rid of your neck and back pain are finding a back pain specialist near me in Hackensack and scheduling an appointment with our Harvard-trained back pain specialists.

Back Pain Myth #1: You should always sit up straight to avoid back pain.

We all know that slouching in chairs for long periods of time will eventually lead to neck and back pain. But surprisingly, forcing yourself to sit up straight can put too much pressure on your back and can also lead to back pain. So, the key here is to find the balance between sitting up straight and leaning back in your chair and slightly curving your back to allow your muscles to relax. According to our back pain specialists in Hackensack, sitting in a reclining position can be more comfortable as it takes some of the pressure off your lower back spinal disks.

Standing up after being seated for half an hour is also a good way to avoid back pain. So, always keeping your back straight is pretty much impossible and it might, in fact, trigger back pain if you overdo it. If you suspect that your daily routine is the culprit behind your back pain but are unsure, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our Hackensack, New Jersey back pain specialists – Dr. Laura Lombardi and Dr. George Hanna, who are happy to offer back pain diagnosis and treatment.

Back Pain Myth #2: You should avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent back pain.

When lifting heavy objects, pay close attention to the way in which you lift them, and not just their weight. To avoid back pain associated with lifting heavy objects, it’s very important to remain close to the object and to squat instead of bending your back. Using your legs to lift, will prevent you from putting a lot of pressure on your spine. If you lift correctly and you avoid bending or torquing your body in an unusual way, you can avoid getting back pain. But be careful not to lift beyond your capability.

If you lifted something heavy and you are in pain, try resting for a few days. If the pain is persistent and worsens over time, make sure you find a back pain specialist in Hackensack, NJ. Our pain management specialists will offer minimally-invasive solutions such as nerve blocks, steroid injections, and other equally effective non-surgical treatment options.

Back Pain Myth #3: A slipped (herniated) disc will require spine surgery

As mentioned above, back pain is a very complex problem that can be triggered by many different conditions. Every patient is unique and a slipped disc can affect people differently. So, even if someone you know had back surgery because they had a herniated disc, that doesn’t mean that you will also require surgery. If a test confirms that you have a damaged disc, our back pain specialists can offer non-surgical, minimally-invasive treatments to relieve your pain. In 90% of patients, the back pain associated with damaged discs (ruptured discs, bulged discs, etc) will often diminish on its own after six weeks. So, the first step if suspect that you might be dealing with a herniated disc should be scheduling an appointment with one of our Hackensack, New Jersey back pain specialists.

Back Pain Myth #4: MRIs and X-rays are 100% effective in finding the cause of your back pain.

MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays are quite effective but they don’t always work when it comes to finding the exact cause of your back pain. Not all spine abnormalities trigger back pain and not all people who suffer from back pain have a problem with their spine. These imagining tests cannot show unhealthy habits, such as a bad posture in front of the computer, a bad diet, a stressful job, or other issues like strained ligaments and muscle spasms. A board-certified back pain specialist will find the cause of your back pain through a combination of tests, thorough physical examinations, and other techniques. It is important to remember that back pain can be triggered by many different conditions and not all of them are easy to diagnose.

If you suffer from debilitating back pain and you haven’t been able to find the cause yet, schedule an appointment with one of our Harvard-trained back pain specialists in Hackensack, New Jersey. Dr. Laura Lombardi and Dr. George Hanna will analyze your medical history, will recommend a series of tests, and will correctly diagnose the underlying conditions that trigger your neck and back pain. Come visit us in our state-of-the-art pain clinics in Paramus on Route 17, near the Paramus Park Mall, in Clifton, NJ, on Route 46 E, past the Ford dealership, in West Orange, near the Essex Country Club.